§ 39. Mr. Beswickasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the increased yields in the dry padi areas of Kelantan and Trengganu, Federation of Malaya, which have resulted from the methods of deep ploughing by tractors, what steps are being taken to extend the use of tractors; and, in particular, if any producer co-operatives are being organised to facilitate the use of tractors.
§ Mr. LytteltonI am consulting the High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya and will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. BeswickI wonder if at the same time the right hon. Gentleman will suggest that there are probably useful lessons to be learned from Ceylon, where the cooperative use of tractors has been highly developed and good results have been achieved?
§ Mr. LytteltonYes, I think that is well known in Malaya. Most of the difficulties in connection with the greatly increased production of rice are concerned with harvesting rather than with ploughing or sowing, but I will certainly bear the suggestion in mind.
§ Mr. BeswickBut there are cases where the yield is increased by 70 pet cent, following the use of tractors, so it is worth while to look into it.